By Patrick Lujan
Two of the more successful high school soccer programs finally get to take to the pitch to see who really is Guam’s best high school boys soccer team.
The Father Duenas Friars and JFK Islanders will do battle on Monday in GSPN’s Champion vs. Champion with kickoff slated for 6:05 pm at the Guam High School field. It will also be broadcast LIVE on www.guamsportsnetwork.com. Your broadcast commentators will be Jason Cunliffe and Bryan Cadiz.
Let’s take a closer look at both championship teams.
JFK ISLANDERS
The ISA champion Islanders are fresh off winning their fourth straight league title and seven in the last 11 years. Head coach Lad Manansala has definitely developed a soccer dynasty for both boys and girls.
Coach Manansala had probably his toughest season with only four returnees and finished the regular season in the third seed. In Saturday night’s finals against the upstart GW Geckos, the Islanders had to go into a shootout where they pulled it off 4-2 in PKs after a scoreless regulation.
Juniors CJ Sablan, Alesana Jorlang and David San Agustin bring leadership along with goalie Leeland Reyes.
Freshman sensation Landen Cruz has come up big time for the storied program, occasionally taking the lead in big situations for the Islanders.
Coach’s three keys to success: Discipline defense and maintain shape; Minimize mistakes and take advantage on every opportunity we get; Team work/play as a team
Coach’s take on the Friars: “FD is basically the U23 national team and have one player on the Matao team. They’ve been playing together for a long time and they’re very technical. For most of them, this is their last high school game and they will be tough to beat.”
Father Duenas Friars
The IIAAG champion Friars have been chomping at the bit for this opportunity since last season and after taking care of business on Dec. 15, the waiting of who they’ll face in the Champion vs. Champion matchup is finally over – and it’s the opponent they’ve always wanted in the Islanders.
League MVP EJ Manibusan leads a highly-talented squad that includes Nicolas Chargualaf and Beau Perez, rock steady goalkeeper Jacob Toves and youngsters Sean Halehale and Levi Berg.
Head coach Keith Dickson has kept his crew in top shape as they waited out their opponent. Now they have what they’ve wanted all this time.
Coach’s three keys to success: Control the tempo of the match; Play simple; Don’t squander our chances
Coach’s take on the Friars: “JFK is a perennial winner. They have a lot of heart and are coached well. They are always a tough opponent. We look forward to playing the 4-time ISA champs.”
Things to Know
- Gate for fans will open at 5 pm. (entry fee: $5 adults, $3 students/seniors, free for 5-under)
- No outside food or drinks allowed (concessions will be available)
- Fans are allowed behind the team benches on the far side, but not on the track
- No alcohol or tobacco use are allowed
- Bring your noise makers
- Cheer loud
- It’s never the referee’s fault
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